Juan Rivera trial: Jury sent home after 7 hours of deliberations

May 07, 2009

WAUKEGAN — After deliberating for seven hours Wednesday, the jury hearing the murder case against Juan Rivera was sent home to get some rest.

Lake County Judge Christopher Starck received a note from the jurors saying they wanted some fresh air and the chance to stretch their legs. Starck said he thought it would be better to send them home after their second day of deliberations.

Rivera is on trial for the third time on charges that he fatally stabbed Holly Staker, 11, in a Waukegan apartment in August 1992.